Greater Manchester Conservatives Face Challenges Ahead of Mayoral Elections
Greater Manchester is gearing up for its upcoming mayoral elections in May. Recent developments within the Greater Manchester Conservative party have caused a stir among local members.
Unexpected Defection and Replacement
On a recent Thursday, the Conservatives faced disarray as their candidate, Dan Barker, unexpectedly defected to the Reform UK party. This move left many local members dissatisfied with the party’s handling of the situation.
Within a short span of 12 hours, Laura Evans, a former cabinet member and Village ward councillor on Trafford Council, was selected as the replacement candidate for the Conservatives. This swift decision came after extensive media coverage of Barker’s defection, pushing the party to act quickly before the deadline.
Challenges Faced by the Conservatives
Barker’s selection as the Tory mayoral candidate in December 2023 had already stirred controversy within the local party. Criticisms of his lack of policy knowledge and fundraising abilities were voiced by some party members.
Despite the challenges, Evans, the newly appointed candidate, is known for her hard work and dedication to campaigning. However, her previous performance in the 2021 mayoral election raised concerns among some party insiders.
Election Prospects and Public Opinion
The upcoming mayoral election in Greater Manchester is expected to be a tough battle for the Conservative party. Recent polling data indicates a decline in Tory support nationally, with a significant portion of respondents leaning towards voting for Labour in the next general election.
Overall, the political landscape in Greater Manchester reflects a broader sense of dissatisfaction with the Conservative party, setting the stage for an intriguing electoral contest in the region.